Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lexington, KY: $40.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lexington, KY runs $40.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,455 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,675 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lexington, Kentucky earn a median hourly rate of $40.60, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. For part-time professionals working three days per week, this translates to a practical earning of around $640 weekly, depending on actual hours worked. Many of these technologists operate in various environments including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. Entry-level technicians may start at approximately $33.76 per hour, while the top earners reach around $51.52 per hour. This hourly data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected to 2026, highlights the diverse earning potential, which is critical for anyone considering a career as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lexington.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.76 | $270.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.51 | $324.08 |
| Median (P50) | $40.60 | $324.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.33 | $402.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.52 | $412.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $40.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.60/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, KY can expect to earn approximately $84,458 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,726. With a cost-of-living index of 92.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,624.18 | $7,038 | $84,458 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $974.51 | $4,223 | $50,675 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $649.67 | $2,815 | $33,783 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lexington) | $40.60 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lexington, KY earn a median of $84,455 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.78% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.70% below the Kentucky state average of $89,560.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.60/hr = $50,675/year (purchasing power: $54,554).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,458/year (purchasing power: $90,923).
CoL index: 92.889 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lexington grew 23.2% from $31.39/hr (2019) to $38.66/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.65/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Lexington
In a part-time capacity, an MRI technologist working 24 hours a week can expect to make approximately $33,370 annually, which stands in contrast to full-time professionals who may earn a significantly higher amount. The per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Lexington showcases the flexibility available in the field, with many able to command hourly rates ranging from $55 to $85, while specialized positions, such as those focusing on cardiac MRI, can secure up to $110 per hour. Hourly rates also vary depending on the employer type, with hospital imaging departments generally offering stability and benefits, whereas outpatient centers or mobile companies may offer higher hourly rates without benefits. For those seeking to negotiate their pay, it can be beneficial to compare rates and understand what various employers in Lexington are offering, allowing technologists to make informed decisions about their employment terms.
More salary data for Lexington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lexington?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Lexington?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lexington?
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Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)
Career Analyst
Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lexington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
Compiled and verified by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov